Priscilla Ledesma (right center) answered questions about her sister as supporters gathered with family members on October 24, 2013 in the 3900 block of Culebra to hold a candle light vigil and prayer for Sharon Ledesma.

Pictures of Sharon Ledesma and her children were attached to a jar for donations for her funeral expenses.

Photo By Robin Jerstad

Priscilla Ledesma (left) is hugged by Krystal Vega during a fundraiser for Ledesma's sister Sharon. S

Photo By Robin Jerstad

A large crowd attended a fundraiser for the family of Sharon Ledesma who was killed in a traffic accident.

Photo By Robin Jerstad

Daniel Govea Jr, cooks chicken during a fundraiser for the family of Sharon Ledesma who was killed in a traffic accident. Govea's father received an organ transplant from Ledesma.

Photo By Robin Jerstad

Jessica Gonzales writes condolences on a poster during a fundraiser for the burial expenses of Sharon Ledesma.

Photo By Robin Jerstad

A photo of Sharon Ledesma, who was killed in a recent traffic accident, adorns a pole with flowers at a fundraiser for her burial expenses Sunday.

Photo By Robin Jerstad

Left: Mallory Ledesma, 8, walks past her aunt, Priscilla Ledesma and uncle, Jonathan Ledesma as they engaged in an animated discussion during a fundraiser.

Photo By TOM REEL

Abby Faz (left) steadies a candle for Valerie Guzman as Raymond Cano watches as supporters gather with family members on October 24, 2013 in the 3900 block of Culebra to hold a candle light vigil.

Photo By TOM REEL

A saddened Priscilla Ledesma talks to supporters and family members on October 24, 2013 in the 3900 block of Culebra about her sister Sharon Ledesma.

Although the family didn't reside in Balcones Heights, the city has opted to sponsor her three children this Christmas — providing them gifts and giving them a guest-of-honor spot at its annual holiday parade.

Ledesma, 28, was taken off of life support Oct. 25, two days after she was struck by a Mazda sedan while crossing the 3900 block of Culebra Road at about 7:15 a.m.

She pushed Dominic and Mallory out of the path of the vehicle, taking the full brunt of the impact, San Antonio police said. The driver wasn't charged.

“We just felt an obligation to the children to try to give them a little happiness during their first Christmas without their mom,” Balcones Heights Police Chief Henry Dominguez said, explaining that Ledesma isn't just a hero to her children but to the five people who received her donated organs after her death.

Dominguez said he and other officers felt the city's boundary lines were irrelevant to reaching out to a family in need, especially considering the family's financial constraints from medical bills and funeral expenses.

Dominguez reached out to the family through Ledesma's mother, Hazel Ramirez, who currently has custody of the children.

“We appreciate everybody's help, and their support, and their love,” Ramirez said. “It was so tragic the way she passed, but to us, she's our angel.”

The holidays have been especially hard as the family grieves, she said, explaining their strong religious faith has been “one of those things that keeps us going.”

The highly publicized death of Ramirez's daughter prompted a large outpouring of support from the community, but it also caused discord among family members.

Since the tragedy, accusations and denials have been traded among adult family members about how donations have been used. There also are disagreements about who should have permanent custody of the children.

The children themselves have been reluctant to ask for much, the police chief said.

“They're very humble,” Dominguez said of asking them for a Christmas list. “They kept it very basic.”

Following the parade, which begins at 10 a.m. at the Balcones Heights police station, the children will ride to Wonderland of the Americas mall for a special presentation in which they will receive the gifts.

The Christmas parade coincides with the police department's annual Blue Marshal event, which provides gifts for 300 children in need. They will also receive their gifts that day.

Those looking to donate can take gifts to the Balcones Heights police station at 3300 Hillcrest Drive or contact the police chief at hdominguez@balconesheights.org.